Editor’s Note

June - July 2015

by Margie Jacinto

Summer! While most of us aren’t necessarily highlighting the warm days and blue skies ahead (they’re just a tad similar to the ones we had during the winter, spring and fall), there is something to be said about the vibe that summer brings. Whether it signals guilt-free languid days, license to eat mangoes with everything, or my personal favorite, noticeably faster commutes to the offi ce, there’s a certain ease and comfort that comes with the season. And since we do work a few months ahead here at HILuxury, anticipating the months to come is yet another fun, summer-related to-do—especially for those counting down the days to the vacations they’ve been planning all year long.

If you’re hitting the pool or hopefully, the beach, make sure to bring our latest issue with you. Our eighth-anniversary issue is chock-full interesting reads, fashion finds and more than a few personality profiles that’ll pique your interest.

Our very own Lianne Bidal Thompson talked television, island life and out-of-this-world story lines with actor Henry Ian Cusick at his home in Kailua for cover feature “Citizen Kane.” Cusick and his family have been here since “Lost” and have no plans of leaving. Find out why on page 104.

Writer Dan Nakaso caught up with Bill Paley during his last visit to HawaiÊ»i. While Paley’s dad—Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS) founder William S. Paley—was prolific in the world of broadcast media, his son opted to renew his grandfather’s legacy instead with La Palina Cigars. Read “Revival of the Fittest” on page 112.

And speaking of cigars, local aficionado Jon Fia gives us the lowdown on the Nicaragua—at least in terms of tobacco. He gives us a firsthand look into the fast-flourishing industry that’s been dominated by Cuba all these years. Read “Turning Over a New Leaf ” on page 168.

Also in this issue, writer Shane Nelson gets into the mindset of four local artists to watch in “Edge of Distinction” on page 44, while Ed Kemper discusses an entirely different kind of masterpiece when the opportunity to test drive the new BMW i8 plug-in hybrid arose. Read his full report on page 66.